Jayme Stevenson Code Red Community Update: COVID-19 Cases on the Rise, Trick or Treating NOT Recommended

Late yesterday, Darien First Selectman Jayme Stevenson put out a "Code Red" message to the community regarding COVID-19 and the increase in cases here in Darien and in surrounding towns. 

"While Darien’s total positive case load since early March has been relatively small, our current 14-day rolling average is 4.59 cases…just shy of the 5/100,000 threshold to hit the Yellow Alert trigger under the Governor’s new COVID-19 Alert System," said Stevenson.

Since October 12, Stevenson said there have been 14 positive cases. "Three of the four cases reported by the Darien Public Schools are accounted for in these cases. Cases have been evenly spread over the age spectrum with 6 of the 14 between the ages of 40-59. We are aware that two additional cases have been reported to the school district this evening evidencing the dynamic nature of this data," she reported.

This data is publicly available on the Town of Darien website at the COVID-19 link at the top of home page and on the Darien Public Schools COVID-19 Dashboard also available on the town’s website.

Read on for Stevenson's update on Contact Tracing and important info regarding Halloween.

Contact Tracing

The results of our contact tracing show that viral spread is occurring primarily through private social gatherings, carpooling and youth sports. While youth sports as well as indoor and outdoor gatherings are allowed under the Governor’s Sector Rules, mask wearing and distancing are a best practice. We are confident at this time that spread is not occurring in our schools.

Safety Protocols

In order to stop the spread of the virus, wash your hands, wear a face covering in public and when distancing cannot be guaranteed and refrain from unnecessary social gatherings.

If you are sick, stay home from school and work and get tested. A complete list of COVID-19 symptoms are available on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. Drive thru testing is available in Darien through Murphy Medical Associates at www.coronatestct.com. Molecular PCR tests are considered to be the gold standard for COVID -19 testing. Rapid, antigen tests should be used only if you have COVID-19 symptoms.

Halloween

In consultation with Darien Health Department, we are now recommending children do not Trick-or-Treat traditionally this Halloween. The Darien Health Department and CDC websites offer alternative ways to safety celebrate Halloween. Parties and social gatherings are not a safe substitute.